Has anybody's child had a hemispherectomy or had one themselves? - Epilepsy Message Board

Lunabell · 03-04-2003, 07:58 PM

My dd is having a functional hemispherectomy on March 24. I do think it is the best thing for her but am terrified of the risks. Has anyone had their child undergo this surgery or had done themselves? How did it turn out for you? What was the therapy like afterwards? Did it make a dramatic difference in development and did the seizures stop? Thank you so much for any imput you have to offer!

-Jo-mom to Rai

Rebecca's Mom · 03-05-2003, 07:49 AM

Hi - not sure if this is similiar to a corpus collosotomy, but Rebecca had one in 1997 - big surgery - did not work, but it was the right thing to do at the time and we do not regret it - make the decision and don't look back. Rebecca is developmentally delayed and has had 2 surgeries - she has a VNS implant - did not work either......she functions at around age 4 and is almost 18 years old. All the best to you and yours.......Paula

Lunabell · 03-06-2003, 09:17 PM

Thanks Paula! I am so sorry the procedure didn't work for your dd! I guess we always hope that something will help. Part of the hemispherectomy does include a corpus collosotomy. I guess the idea is that if she still continues to have partials that they won't become generalized. I am just getting nervous. We are now 18 days away.

niunia · 03-06-2003, 09:56 PM

I simply wish you good luck...Please let us know how things turn out...